TMH employee earns highest sleep technologist credential

Michelle Hampton, with The Memorial Hospital, has earned the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist credential.

The internationally recognized credential represents the highest certification in the field for health care professionals who clinically assess patients with sleep disorders. To obtain this credential, a technologist must have necessary clinical experience, hold CPR certification or its equivalent, adhere to the BRPT Standards of Conduct and pass the RPSGT credentialing exam.

"This is an exciting time for the TMH Sleep Study program," Cardiopulmonary Manager Ron Trudel said in a news release. "As we are expanding our services, we are also investing in the continuing education and certification of our sleep study technicians."

With more than 40 million Americans affected by sleep disorders, it is important for patients to seek out sleep clinics that employ RPSGT. The RPSGT credential is a symbol for quality, responsibility and credibility, indicating that the credentialed technologist has a level of experience and competence aligned with an international standard.

"Sleep is as important as eating right and exercising," said Hampton said. "This certification is just one more way for our patients to know that they are getting high caliber health care right here at home."

A polysomnogram is a test that records a patient's physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. It provides data that is essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints, such as identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, amount of snoring, and general sleep behavior.

"TMH congratulates Michelle for her two-year journey toward certification," Trudel said. "Her continued education is just an example of her commitment to healthcare and to our community."